Super User FryDog62 Posted February 4, 2019 Super User Share Posted February 4, 2019 My wife and I are lifelong Minnesota residents... three kids have left the nest and two ending up in Denver. My wife would like to move there too, I could probably transfer my consulting work there. The winters are incredibly long and cold in Minnesota (they suck, last week -30 degrees) and we’re in our mid 50’s. I had family here up until a year ago when both my parents and brother died. No real reason to stay anymore.. The problem is I would need an outlet if I moved and bass fishing is it. I don’t ski any more, or hunt, or golf. It doesn’t appear there is any real bass fishing in the Denver area. A few reservoirs here and there. Have to admit I’m spoiled with 12,000 lakes in Minnesota... several more within a reasonable drive to Wisconsin, South Dakota and Ontario. It’s great although there’s only about 5 months to fish open water (I don’t ice fish). Am I missing something in Colorado? Are those reservoirs good enough to fish? Are there any world-class lakes within a reasonable drive? I just bought a Lund Pro-V Bass 2 years ago and would really like to continue to fish. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorado Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 I’m from Denver and you have some decent options in the city. Chatfield Reservior is excellent for walleye and smallmouth. Concentrate on the riprap parts of the dam. Gizzard Shad and crawdads makes up the forage. Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a nice little gem that is full of largemouths and bluegills. 4” GP w/ Black Flk wacky-rigged will catch bass all day, at the smaller pond. Lowell Ponds have huge catfish and are super easy to catch. There are a ton of bass there too and are partial to bluegill patterned Squarebills. If you really want to enhance your Denver metro fishing experience, Invest in a float tube. Trust me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWVABass Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Although bass fishing might not be the supreme in Colorado you have crazy good multi species options there. The trout fishing is amazing throughout the state. I know this is a bass forum but river fishing for brooks bows and browns would be awesome as well. And don’t knock the hunting yet you can get over the counter elk tags there and get out in the woods!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Paul Roberts Posted February 7, 2019 Super User Share Posted February 7, 2019 CO is not MN -the "land of 10k lakes". Instead, CO is more like the "land of 10k ponds" -mostly small meltwater retention/irrigation reservoirs. There are a few large-ish reservoirs with warmwater fishing: Chatfield (1200ac; mostly SM), Cherry Creek (900ac; LM), and Aurora (850ac; SM, and some big ones), Pueblo (4000ac; Mostly LM) are the closest large ones. Might want to touch base with the Denver Bassmasters as they do run some bass boat friendly tournaments, but I believe such venues are somewhat limited. If you are willing to include small boat, kayak, and float tube waters, there are many. And the bass fishing is pretty good. However, MN it is not. In terms of coldwater fisheries (trout), the situation is flipped: MN is not CO! Oh yes, real estate can be tough to negotiate, esp if you wish to purchase. Not sure exactly where things stand but, last I heard, even if you could afford to buy in, there were some incredible waiting lists to see properties. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Paul Roberts Posted February 7, 2019 Super User Share Posted February 7, 2019 Oh yes... Our winters are MUCH milder than MN. We average about 2months of ice cover, sometimes less. Regs allow for year round bass fishing. And ice-out tends to happen by late February. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TotalNoob Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 6:22 PM, Paul Roberts said: Pueblo (4000ac; Mostly LM) I live here and I have to 100% disagree with the statement that Pueblo is mostly Largemouth Bass (though I 100% wish you were right). In my experience it's BY FAR mostly Smallmouths. Spotteds come in 2nd and then a small population of Largemouths. The fluctuating water levels don't help the LMB population - they actually stock LMB fry in the lake though I think they intentionally curtail the LMB population to protect the massive Walleye population in the lake. Check out the most recent CPW Survey Summary for Pueblo. Most of the gilnetting is done around the dam (I think) so it won't reflect well on whatever LMB population is in the lake. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery Survey Summaries/PuebloReservoir.pdf Regardless, I fished it hard for Bass last year and the LMBs were few and far between - the ones I did catch were not noteworthy. Smallies and Spots are what you'll catch most of around here. You'll catch some Wipers in the Spring, too. Please note, they have modified the rules on keeping Wiper from Pueblo in 2019. (IF you keep Bass ?). Effective this year, the bag limit is 5 Wipers with only one greater than 21". This is updated from the previous "keep as many as you like" rule. Walleye regs are identical. You'll run into more Walleyes than you can imagine in Pueblo. And you can blame low Wiper and LMB populations on the Walleye egg-take operation the State does out of Pueblo. I guess they feel like the walleyes might get outcompeted for gizzard shad if there's too many LMBs or Wipers. No shortage of Gizzard Shad in the lake that much is for certain! I don't think I saw anyone mention the State-wide Walleye population? They stock 'em everywhere, and there's some tanks around the state. Coming from MN that's something I'm sure you'll recognize right away ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User FryDog62 Posted February 17, 2019 Author Super User Share Posted February 17, 2019 1 hour ago, TotalNoob said: I live here and I have to 100% disagree with the statement that Pueblo is mostly Largemouth Bass (though I 100% wish you were right). In my experience it's BY FAR mostly Smallmouths. Spotteds come in 2nd and then a small population of Largemouths. The fluctuating water levels don't help the LMB population - they actually stock LMB fry in the lake though I think they intentionally curtail the LMB population to protect the massive Walleye population in the lake. Check out the most recent CPW Survey Summary for Pueblo. Most of the gilnetting is done around the dam (I think) so it won't reflect well on whatever LMB population is in the lake. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery Survey Summaries/PuebloReservoir.pdf Regardless, I fished it hard for Bass last year and the LMBs were few and far between - the ones I did catch were not noteworthy. Smallies and Spots are what you'll catch most of around here. You'll catch some Wipers in the Spring, too. Please note, they have modified the rules on keeping Wiper from Pueblo in 2019. (IF you keep Bass ?). Effective this year, the bag limit is 5 Wipers with only one greater than 21". This is updated from the previous "keep as many as you like" rule. Walleye regs are identical. You'll run into more Walleyes than you can imagine in Pueblo. And you can blame low Wiper and LMB populations on the Walleye egg-take operation the State does out of Pueblo. I guess they feel like the walleyes might get outcompeted for gizzard shad if there's too many LMBs or Wipers. No shortage of Gizzard Shad in the lake that much is for certain! I don't think I saw anyone mention the State-wide Walleye population? They stock 'em everywhere, and there's some tanks around the state. Coming from MN that's something I'm sure you'll recognize right away ? Yes, the protection of the sacred walleye here in Minnesota is like no other state that I’m aware of. Our bass season doesn’t even open until the walleye season in Mid-May (was Memorial Day until recently) so that any of us “Green Carp” fisherman don’t accidentally snag one of them thar sacred cows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User MN Fisher Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Share Posted February 17, 2019 54 minutes ago, FryDog62 said: Yes, the protection of the sacred walleye here in Minnesota is like no other state that I’m aware of. Our bass season doesn’t even open until the walleye season in Mid-May (was Memorial Day until recently) so that any of us “Green Carp” fisherman don’t accidentally snag one of them thar sacred cows C&R for bass opens Walleye weekend...those of us who like to occasionally keep our catch have to wait until Memorial day to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caliyak Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Would flaming gorge be too far? On 2/4/2019 at 1:10 PM, FryDog62 said: My wife and I are lifelong Minnesota residents... three kids have left the nest and two ending up in Denver. My wife would like to move there too, I could probably transfer my consulting work there. The winters are incredibly long and cold in Minnesota (they suck, last week -30 degrees) and we’re in our mid 50’s. I had family here up until a year ago when both my parents and brother died. No real reason to stay anymore.. The problem is I would need an outlet if I moved and bass fishing is it. I don’t ski any more, or hunt, or golf. It doesn’t appear there is any real bass fishing in the Denver area. A few reservoirs here and there. Have to admit I’m spoiled with 12,000 lakes in Minnesota... several more within a reasonable drive to Wisconsin, South Dakota and Ontario. It’s great although there’s only about 5 months to fish open water (I don’t ice fish). Am am I missing something in Colorado? Are those reservoirs good enough to fish? Are there any world-class lakes within a reasonable drive? I just bought a Lund Pro-V Bass 2 years ago and would really like to continue to fish. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Paul Roberts Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Share Posted February 17, 2019 8 hours ago, TotalNoob said: I live here and I have to 100% disagree with the statement that Pueblo is mostly Largemouth Bass (though I 100% wish you were right). In my experience it's BY FAR mostly Smallmouths. Spotteds come in 2nd and then a small population of Largemouths. The fluctuating water levels don't help the LMB population - they actually stock LMB fry in the lake though I think they intentionally curtail the LMB population to protect the massive Walleye population in the lake. Check out the most recent CPW Survey Summary for Pueblo. Most of the gilnetting is done around the dam (I think) so it won't reflect well on whatever LMB population is in the lake. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery Survey Summaries/PuebloReservoir.pdf Regardless, I fished it hard for Bass last year and the LMBs were few and far between - the ones I did catch were not noteworthy. Smallies and Spots are what you'll catch most of around here. You'll catch some Wipers in the Spring, too. Please note, they have modified the rules on keeping Wiper from Pueblo in 2019. (IF you keep Bass ?). Effective this year, the bag limit is 5 Wipers with only one greater than 21". This is updated from the previous "keep as many as you like" rule. Walleye regs are identical. You'll run into more Walleyes than you can imagine in Pueblo. And you can blame low Wiper and LMB populations on the Walleye egg-take operation the State does out of Pueblo. I guess they feel like the walleyes might get outcompeted for gizzard shad if there's too many LMBs or Wipers. No shortage of Gizzard Shad in the lake that much is for certain! I don't think I saw anyone mention the State-wide Walleye population? They stock 'em everywhere, and there's some tanks around the state. Coming from MN that's something I'm sure you'll recognize right away ? Thanks for the correction, and excellent info on Pueblo. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User FryDog62 Posted February 18, 2019 Author Super User Share Posted February 18, 2019 4 hours ago, Caliyak said: Would flaming gorge be too far? Looks like about 7 hours... could be do-able for 3-4 day weekends.. Thx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted February 13, 2020 Share Posted February 13, 2020 The elusive LM of Pueblo Lol On 2/17/2019 at 7:44 AM, TotalNoob said: I live here and I have to 100% disagree with the statement that Pueblo is mostly Largemouth Bass (though I 100% wish you were right). In my experience it's BY FAR mostly Smallmouths. Spotteds come in 2nd and then a small population of Largemouths. The fluctuating water levels don't help the LMB population - they actually stock LMB fry in the lake though I think they intentionally curtail the LMB population to protect the massive Walleye population in the lake. Check out the most recent CPW Survey Summary for Pueblo. Most of the gilnetting is done around the dam (I think) so it won't reflect well on whatever LMB population is in the lake. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery Survey Summaries/PuebloReservoir.pdf Regardless, I fished it hard for Bass last year and the LMBs were few and far between - the ones I did catch were not noteworthy. Smallies and Spots are what you'll catch most of around here. You'll catch some Wipers in the Spring, too. Please note, they have modified the rules on keeping Wiper from Pueblo in 2019. (IF you keep Bass ?). Effective this year, the bag limit is 5 Wipers with only one greater than 21". This is updated from the previous "keep as many as you like" rule. Walleye regs are identical. You'll run into more Walleyes than you can imagine in Pueblo. And you can blame low Wiper and LMB populations on the Walleye egg-take operation the State does out of Pueblo. I guess they feel like the walleyes might get outcompeted for gizzard shad if there's too many LMBs or Wipers. No shortage of Gizzard Shad in the lake that much is for certain! I don't think I saw anyone mention the State-wide Walleye population? They stock 'em everywhere, and there's some tanks around the state. Coming from MN that's something I'm sure you'll recognize right away ? I live in Pueblo West and fish the Res all the time. You are 100% correct about the species. I catch mostly Smallies and Spots the few Large Mouth are located towards the West end of the Lake 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 Just caught this the other day on a Jerkbait in Pueblo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Hope everyone else in Colorado is having luck I know I have:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneddog44 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 No luck for me. Fished 3 hours yesterday at some boulder ponds throwing jerkbaits, lipless cranks, jigs and a drop shot and not even a bite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolFan Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Tough time of year, and I never loved the Boulder ponds - good on you for trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneddog44 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 29 minutes ago, VolFan said: Tough time of year, and I never loved the Boulder ponds - good on you for trying. Not much else for me close to Denver as far as I know. Anywhere you’d be willing to share? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolFan Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 If youre in Denver proper - Quincy, Wash Park, a number of city ponds and even...gulp...Sloans Lake have been better to me than those Boulder ponds. Even the S. Platte east of the city has better fishing to my taste than the drive for those ponds. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 We have a little warmer weather down here in Pueblo but it's still a tough bite This is all I got today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneddog44 Posted March 12, 2020 Share Posted March 12, 2020 Finally got one on a jerkbait yesterday and friend of mine caught a 3lber on a shallow squarebill. It took four trips to finally get one! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 Only one. Megabass Vision 110 GP Blue:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 4.4lb:) Jackall Rerange 110 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin apfel Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 On 3/24/2020 at 6:29 PM, Bassfishingfred said: 4.4lb:) Jackall Rerange 110 Those are some nice LM out of Pueblo! On 3/4/2020 at 5:57 PM, sneddog44 said: Not much else for me close to Denver as far as I know. Anywhere you’d be willing to share? Check out the ponds south of Chatfield, some nice LM in there. And if you like walleye and smallmouth fish the main lake. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Buttram Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 Hello, fellow Bass hunters, I am a bank fisherman not by choice but I fish all the Front Range Colorado public ponds in Greeley and the surrounding areas. I catch a lot of big largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and even red eye bass. I would really like to go out on a boat with a fellow bass hunter like me. I can pay half of all expenses and more to go out on a boat and hunt for some Lunkers. I didn't walk for 5 years and they wanted to amputate my left leg at the hip in Missouri but I had a dream I was walking around again and I said no but long story short, I moved to Colorado to live with one of my best friends and I found a limb saving hip surgeon who God performed a miracle through and even the surgeon Dr. Ronald Hugate said that it was the most difficult hip surgery he's ever done and I am a walking miracle due to my femur busting my total socket and broke my pelvis in 4 different spots and my femur also busted my bladder as well as lacerating my guts so bad that surgeon said I would have to wear a colostomy the rest of my life and catheterize myself but God was having none of that and now I am walking 2-4 miles with a 25lbs fishing backpack and 4 rods to walk the banks of any pond/small lake that is public in search of behemoth lunker bass of every species. I caught a 6lbs 14oz Largemouth bass, 3lb 12 over, and a 2 lbs 3oz Smallmouth Bass today at Greeley Learning Center pond that is catch and releases the only pond. Please get in touch with me if you feel like you would like to go fishing with me and make a respectful Bass fishing buddy. Good luck guys and I hope you catch some Behemoth Bass. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and God Bless you.!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfishingfred Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 Awesome story of strength and great catch!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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